Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia also known as mesenteric vascular disease is a medical condition in which injury of the small intestine occurs due to not enough blood supply. It can come on suddenly, known as acute mesenteric ischemia, or gradually, known as chronic mesenteric ischemia. Acute mesenteric ischemia was first described in 1895 while chronic disease was first described in the 1940s.

Diagnosis: It is difficult to diagnose mesenteric ischemia early. One must also differentiate ischemic colitis, which often resolves on its own, from the more immediately life-threatening condition of acute mesenteric ischemia of the small bowel. It can be diagnosed by blood tests, endoscopy, Plain X-ray test, Computed Tomography etc.

Treatment: NG tube decompression, angiogram for diagnosis and treatment, heparin anticoagulation. Palavering to decrease arterial vasospasm. “Surgical revascularisation remains the treatment of choice for mesenteric ischemia, but thrombolytic medical treatment and vascular interventional radiological techniques have a growing role".